Research

Changing Minds

The purpose of this publication is to demonstrate the positive impact of youth work on the mental health and well-being of young people from Black and Minority Ethnic backgrounds. This document will:

1. define and demonstrate youth work’s impact on mental health and well-being;
2. list relevant literature, legislation and policy;
3. provide examples of good practice;
4. identify considerations, challenges and suggest successful approaches;
5. make recommendations for action.

Being Young in Scotland 2005

At the start of 2005 YouthLink Scotland commissioned the second sweep of a Scotland-wide survey of young people aged 11-25 years. The survey aims to explore what it means to be young in Scotland and to generate information on young people – on their interests and opportunities, their attitudes and aspirations and the barriers and challenges theyface – in order to inform the development of policy. MORI Scotland surveyed 3,178 young people throughout Scotland. This year’s survey partners were the Scottish Executive Education Department, the Big Lottery Fund, Scotland’s Commissioner for Children and Young People and Young Scot.

Click here to view the survey report.  (Please note this is a large file and may take some time to download.)

Being Young In Scotland 2003

In 2003 YouthLink Scotland commisioned MORI Scotland to undertake a major survey of 3,000 young people across Scotland. The aim of the survey was to produce information that would enable the youth work sector to be fully informed of the issues that affect young people and that could be used to inform the development of policy and practice. It is YouthLink Scotland's intention that the survey should run on an annual basis, both to ensure that the information base remains current and to provide longitudinal data on young peoples' attitudes and activities. To see a summary of the main findings of the 2003 survey click here. (Please note this is a large file and may take some time to download).

To see the results of the core questions from the 2003 survey of 11-16 year olds click here.

To see the results of the core questions from the 2003 survey of 17-25 year olds click here.

To find out more about this research or if you are interested in becoming a partner in the current or future sweeps of the survey, please contact Jim Sweeney, Chief Executive, jsweeney@youthlink.co.uk or on 0131 313 2488.

Policy Mapping Health and Young People

YouthLink Scotland, in collaboration with Fast Forward Positive Lifestyles recently undertook a study which mapped the development of Scottish Executive policies in relation to young people's health during the first term of the Scottish Parliament. To see a copy of the report click here.

To find out more about the research contact Margaret McLeod, Head of Development at mmcleod@youthlink.co.uk or on 0131 313 2488.

Mapping the Youth Work Sector in Scotland

In 2003 YouthLink Scotland undertook, at the request of the Scottish Executive, a complex exercise to map the extent and nature of the youth work sector in Scotland. The research comprised two elements:

• A quantitative study which aimed to identify the extent of service provision, the number of young people participating in youth work activities and the number of adults involved in service provision and expenditure and funding of youth work services.
• A qualitative study which aimed to identify the extent to which youth work provision met the needs of young people and to identify examples of good practice in service provision.

It was intended that the findings of the research would inform Scottish Executive thinking in developing proposals on youth work policy. To access a summary of the main findings of the research click here.

More...